The Lady Raiders have started out the season strong with a 4-0-2 record going into the United Invitational this weekend at Memorial Stadium. 

The Rider Chronicle sat down with longtime head coach Carl Wiersema to discuss expectations, key players and what the team has planned for its final year. 

Q: What are your expectations for this year?

A: I expect the girls to come out and compete in every game and have a great time doing it. We’re going to become a team and have a lot of fun with each other.

Q: Who are some key returning players this year?

A: Jimena Rodriguez up top, Mia Gilmore up top, Bella Pillow we have her playing as midfielder. Both of our keepers Savannah Skelton and Allie Vasquez and Kayden Grimes is a returning starter who’s doing really well. Brenna Voss has stepped in as a starter from the JV team but our whole bench is good too.  

Q: Who are some new players you are ready to see play this year? 

A: Mariah Thompson at left mid, she’s coming in. We got Bella Wood, a freshman starting for us at attacking mid. Reese Wood has stepped in as a starting role as a defender and Kamora Johnson has stepped in as a starter as a defender.

Q: What have you learned about your team over the games and tournaments you have played? 

A: That we are a team, resilient. They don’t quit, they get down and come back and find a way to either tie or win. Right now they’re undefeated. They’re doing a great job. 

Q: With this being the last season for the Lady Raiders, how do you want to make it special? 

A: We are trying to enjoy every minute we are together and we had a great alumni game with a lot of alumni returning. That was a lot of fun and just making sure of anything we can do. Whether it’s getting them extra food or some extra equipment, we want them to feel special because they’re the last team going through Rider.